Hello again!

I'm very sorry it took so long for me to update this, I became preoccupied with a number of things over these past few months which has lead me to neglect my creation. I will try to be more prudent in my update schedule but no promises.

Okay chapter 2 commence!

Edited: May 12, 2015

I was so shocked at the appearance of the large kitsune that I stumbled backwards, almost landing ungracefully on my rear end. The fox glared at me through the bars of the cage as if daring me to approach. It had a dark orange pelt with black fur lining its eyes and ears. The fox also had large paws that graced the end of slender limbs. Unlike a normal fox these seemed to end in finger-like appendages. But the eyes were the most captivating feature. They were a demonic red with a terrifying gleam that screamed of death and destruction to those foolish enough to cross its path.

I was so jolted that I couldn't speak. What on earth? How had this thing appeared? Did Midori know this would happen? The fox seemed quite amused at my inability to speak as he laughed, shaking the dungeon with his mirth. I lost my balance on the quaking ground and fell down, landing in the murky water.

Naruto, don't tell me you can't remember who I am. I was the only one who could truly help you in times of need. All you have to do is give me the word and I can take all the confusion and doubt away. Together we could rule this new world. The fox growled with a far off gaze, as if imagining a future of blood and terror to all we would meet on our journey of dominance. Tendrils of red reached towards me as if to give me a tease of the promised power.

This jerked me out of my temporary stupor as I stood up and started wringing out the water from my clothes. "I most definitely will not give you permission, but thanks for the offer." I replied sarcastically.

I thought not but it was worth a shot. Why are you here? Did you think I would have the answers you seek? Think again. I enjoy watching you suffer. He said all this with a grin that revealed sharpened teeth that gleamed in the uncertain light.

I had a sadistic fox that I could access when I meditated, as if life wasn't complicated enough without an extra obstacle. I rationalized that the first step towards gaining any information would have to result with an introduction of some sort. "What is your name and why are you here?" I asked somewhat hesitantly.

The fox looked surprised at the question. You've got some balls kid, I'll give you that. You never asked for my name before and you seem different from when I last saw you, he replied as he looked me over with those merciless eyes. My name is Kurama and as to why I am here, it's a long story and one that you will have to figure out for yourself.

Awesome. Just another mystery I needed to solve. "What can you tell me? If you can't explain anything I guess I'll just be going now." I drawled as I started to walk away.

You're no fun. I would've gotten a rise from you before. He sighed before he continued. Fine, the first thing would be to tell you how to defeat those monsters, but only because I'll die if you do. He explained with a reluctant tone, as if what he really wanted to do was be as irritating and menacing as possible.

Thinking I was finally getting somewhere I asked how.

We were instantly transported to what looked like a training field surrounded by trees. There were three upright logs in the middle and a memorial dedicated to those who had fought in a shinobi world war, whatever that was. Looking at the three stumps a memory bubbled to the surface of my mind.

(Memory)

The environment was similar to the one I was in with Kurama, except there were other figures there as well. They appeared to be eating near the logs and upon closer inspection I could make them out.

The middle log seemed to be occupied with a younger version of… myself. Or at least I thought it was me as I hadn't had the chance to see my own face since this bizarre journey began. He had an arrogant face with a slightly embarrassed expression on his face. He had three whiskers on each cheek with spiky blond hair. His eyes were as blue as the ocean on a clear day and they held a slightly begging look as he glanced at his companions. His outfit differed from mine.

The collar was poufy and white with a band of orange in the middle. The body of his jacket was orange with blue lining the top half. There was a zipper in the middle and blue lining the bottom hem as well. Wrapped around one leg was a pack, most likely filled with weapons similar to the ones I had on my person. Again with the odd shoes, but these were blue in color, not black. The ensemble was completed with a headband, constructed of blue fabric with a metal faceplate that had a stylized leaf on it.

The next thing I noticed was my companions, who seemed to be enjoying lunch without me.

One had long, bright pink hair pulled back with the same headband as me. Sea-foam green eyes and a long forehead graced her visage. She was wearing a long red dress that was short- sleeved, revealing slender arms. It was lined with white on the edges with an open circle going up each sleeve. Black spandex shorts that ended mid-thigh could be seen underneath. Her feet were covered with blue shoes, which were in the same fashion as mine. A pack, much like the one that contained my weapons, was settled at her waist. A name surfaced to the foremost of my mind. Sakura.

The other companion was Sauske, or at least that's the name that came to my mind at first sight. He had spiky black hair and onyx eyes along with a headband identical to Sakura's and mine. His shirt was blue, short sleeved and completed with a wide collar. His shorts were pristine white with wrappings on one side to hold a weapons pack. He wore armguards that were blue on the edges and white in the middle. His legs were covered with wrappings topped and bottomed with blue (I think I could spot a color trend going on here) and blue shoes covered his feet.

The most interesting thing about the two were their expressions. Sauske held one of disinterest and boredom while Sakura look worried and apprehensive. I could only guess what she was worried about.

I heard a loud gurgle which I realized had come from my younger self's stomach. Sauske offered up his food, causing Sakura to proffer hers as well.

A precipitous white cloud of smoke appeared and out stepped a tall man. The man had tall white hair that defied gravity. Most of his face, except for his eyes, were covered with a navy blue mask. A headband was slanted over one eye, with the other one closed in what I could assume was approval of the actions of Sakura and Sauske. To complete the ensemble was a dark green jacket with way too many pockets, a navy long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up and pants with the bottom hem wrapped in the infamous white wrapping. Small gloves with metal plates on the backs encased his hands and blue shoes covered his feet.

He briefly stated that the team had passed and were now officially genin, which meant nothing to me. Sauske and Sakura got up to leave with him as he explained the position they were now in. My younger self, who was now alone, was struggling with the ropes that bound him to the stump.

(End Memory)

I was stunned at the flashback into my own history. Now I knew who Kakashi was, which cleared up one out of about a hundred mysteries. I knew that I had had teammates back home, wherever home was and that I was a genin. Glancing down into the muddy water of the puddle I had inadvertently stepped in, I noticed that my face did indeed look like that of the one from my flashback, though seemingly more mature.

What are you doing Naruto? Did you decide to become vain all of a sudden? Snap out of it, we have work to do. That is, if you don't want to die before daybreak.

"Yes Kurama-sensei!" I hastily replied.

He went on to explain that there was a substance called chakra which could be gathered in the body, made in equal parts by physical and spiritual energy. This could be manipulated to perform various tasks in the physical world. He instructed me in the use of hand seals which are used to direct and control the chakra through the use of various jutsus. Different combinations of the hand seals would lead to various physical appearances as the chakra was utilized. As Kurama assigned different tasks for me to do I found that I could perform them with little effort. Even though I didn't have my memories, my body responded automatically, as if it had already done all of these things before. I could only assume that I had used chakra prior to my amnesia.

By the time I was through with practice I was covered with sweat from the exercises. But I was able to walk on water, which I found to be quite useful in terms of not getting my pants or strange shoes wet from the unsanitary water when we were transported back to Kurama's prison. I was also able to substitute myself with another object, such as a log, and use a technique that would allow me to change my appearance. Along the way I also found that I could turn into an attractive woman who wore nothing. Luckily steam appeared to cover up her lady parts. This seemed useless to me but amused Kurama to no end.

Feeling fully accomplished I called it quits. Before I left, the demonic fox had some advice for me.

Naruto, before you decide that you now have all it takes to defeat those cretins just know that the point you are at now is equivalent to where you were as the child in that flashback. You may be able to perform the techniques with ease but you have much to learn if you don't want to end up as fodder for those beasts. Don't try to take on twenty by yourself, because I can guarantee that you will die with those monsters tearing you limb from limb."

"Aww, it almost sounds like you're worried about me." I replied with a large grin on my face.

Come into my cage, then you can see how much I really care, He threatened with a grin, etched with sharp, canine-esque teeth.

I gulped nervously and quickly ended my meditation session.

There we have it! I will try to have the next chapter updated by Sunday! Thanks for the reviews and please send me more, any feedback is much appreciated!

~Strix